Entertainment
Cultural Music Icon, ‘Eze Oriri’ Iwedi Laid To Rest In Emohua
Emohua community in Rivers State last weekend, witnessed a humongous crowd of renowned politicians, celebrated-cultural musicians, socio cultural organisations and various youth bodies who stormed the community to pay their last respects to celebrated cultural icon and traditional music maestro, Elder Ikekwem Kingdom Iwedi, popularly known as ‘Eze Oriri’ (commissioner for enjoyment) who died on January 24, 2021 after a protracted illness.
In his address at the burial ceremony the Chief mourner, Mr. Promise I.K Iwedi stated that until his demise, the renowned musician, grassroot politician and socio-cultural icon, contributed immensely to the promotion of the Ikwerre and Kalabari culture and tradition through his musical group, the Oriri Social Club of Nigeria (OSCON) that displayed the water spirit infused culture peculiar to the Ikwerre and the Riverine people of Rivers and Bayelsa States. His musical exploits earned him the moniker, I.K Dankwa named after the Ghanaian music legend.
He noted that Eze Oriri was also a founding father of several socio-cultural groups in the community including Korkonma Elitist club, Oporo masquerade Deity of Rumuobasi, Wanaburoma Rumuobasi, Oyirimba Rumuolo Age Grade, olo Social Club of Emohua one time chairman of Ikoro Rumuolo, a formidable group I’m the community. He was also the patron of Ibimina Social Club of Bakana and Sekiapu Society of Kalabari.
The chief mourner stressed that politically Elder Ikekwem Iwedi was relevant in the political landscape as a grassroot politician and mass mobiliser who played active politics at the local and state government levels at different political dispensations and belonged to various political parties during his political career. He was an active member of the Nigerian Peoples Party (NPP), National Party of Nigeria (NPN) Social Democratic Party (SDP), United Nigeria Centre Party (UNCP), The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and finally the All Progressive Congress (APC) before his demise.
Based on his various political party affiliations his burial at his residence in Rumuobasi, Rumuche Emohua on Saturday, 8th May 2021was attended by a large number of political Juggernauts across the state and beyond. Among whom were Senator ‘Ohna’ Andrew Uchendu, Ohna Sergent Awuse, Chief (Barr) Eme Glory Eme, Engr. Sam Agwo, Dr. Chidi Lloyd, Arthur Uchendu and Prof. Chituru Orluwene. Others were, former Emolga Chairman Allen Nma, former Vice Chairman Emolga, Chief Ndidi Erim, Hon Lucky Worlu and Engr. Nnamdi Abah among others.
Speaking in an interview with The Tide an illustrious son-in-law to the deceased cultural icon, Mr. Onyekachi Wagbara noted that Elder Ikekwem Iwedi was a philanthropist extraordinary who left behind an amazing legacy for others to emulate. He reiterated that his fatherly advice and guidance contributed to the success of his marriage to the first daughter Ijeoma.
According to him their marriage which has lasted for over 21 years has brought countless blessings to his life and family. His death has created a big vacuum in my life, but I take solace in God because my father in-law lived a good life as he rendered selfless service to God and humanity, he said.
Also speaking, the first daughter of the deceased, Mrs Ijeoma Onyekachi Wagbara described her late father as a man of honour, a cheerful giver and a peacemaker who restored peace in Emohua community in 1992 after the protracted communal crisis. She said the community has lost a hero.
By: Jacob Obinna
R&B star, Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has recounted the early-career challenges she faced, revealing that she was once booed out of the stage while performing at a school event.
Speaking in an interview with Newsmen, the Crazy Tings crooner shared that she wasn’t only booed but was also harassed with plastic bottles.
“I remember one time I was going to perform at my school as an up-and-coming singer and I thought I was going to receiving a standing ovation.
“But I got booed. They even threw plastic bottles at me,” she recalled.
Tems explained that despite the embarrassing incident and other such rejections, she remained determined to pursue a career in music.
The Tide Entertainment reports that Tems admitted that some of the initial rejections she faced could be due to her conviction to stick to her originality instead of doing covers or familiar sounds like most of her peers.
The Grammy-winning singer said looking back now, she is glad that she didn’t compromise her style despite the initial pressures.
A close associate of late singer Mohbad, Primeboy, has appealed for the artiste’s burial nearly three years after his death.
According to him, Mohbad’s body remains in the mortuary since September 12, 2023, pending burial arrangements.
The Tide Entertainment reports that in a statement Primeboy urged the family, public, and government to permit the burial, stating, “It’s been almost three years since Mohbad left us. His body is still in the mortuary. I’m begging the family, I’m begging the public, I’m begging the government, please let’s bury our brother. He deserves a befitting burial.”
It would be recalled that Mohbad’s death sparked public outrage, protests, and investigations. Ongoing autopsy examinations, police inquiries, and legal proceedings have delayed burial arrangements amid family disagreements and public scrutiny.
Nancy Briggs
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